CCMBC receives approval for sandbox

July 24, 20140 comment

Canadian Conference of MB Churches biennial convention, June 11–14, 2014

The centre, Vancouver, B.C.

At Gathering 2014, CCMBC’s executive board introduced a motion to approve, in principle,a draft of its “sandbox document,” which includes a new mission statement, preferred culture, operating principles and central ministry focus. The document was an outcome of CCMBC’s internal review process discussed at Gathering 2012 in Winnipeg.

Executive director Willy Reimer explained how the board created the sandbox document to help guide the work of CCMBC staff and ministries as they concentrate on helping local churches achieve God’s purposes for their ministries.

“Our staff’s central ministry focus is to help multiply leaders and disciple-making churches,” said Reimer.

Dialogue around mission statement

CCMBC’s new mission statement (“To multiply Christ-centred churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ”) is intended to provide a shared vision for all member churches united across the country. The statement drew vibrant conversation from the convention floor.

“What about regions where significant numerical growth is an improbability? What does multiplication for mission mean for them?” asked Kevin Koop of Blaine Lake (Sask.) Gospel Chapel.

“This isn’t a prescriptive target,” answered Reimer, “it’s a description of mindset. What does it mean to be a faithful church with that mindset? We encourage churches to pray and seek the Lord for how to live this out in your given context.”

What does transformation mean?

Other delegates expressed concern over the word “transformed,” wondering if it’s actually a biblical mandate.

“Are we called to ‘transform Canada’ as denomination?” asked Steve Wiens of Northview Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

“We’re working to stay away from the individualism of our culture,” responded Reimer. “In our understanding of the kingdom of God, the Lord works to redeem individuals through the people of God in whom there is expression of the kingdom.”

Tim McCarthy of North Langley (B.C.) Community Church agreed with Reimer. “We believe that [transformation] happens through Christ-centred churches equipping people to be in their workplace, in their community, doing what God has called them to do.”

Delegates voted to approve the draft of the sandbox document, with some opposing votes registered.

—Karla Braun

CCMBC Mission Statement

To multiply Christ-centred churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ.